VIDEO: Twins Reliever Flashes 103 MPH Fastball In Strikeout

Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran's entrance to the mound is marked by a dramatic display of flames and lights.

That seems appropriate.

Jhoan Duran, 103mph Diesel. ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/1hFABsErOt

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 8, 2023

Duran threw a scoreless sixth inning in Wednesday's 7-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training action.

However, it was the matchup versus Bo Bichette that caught everyone's attention.

Duran started off Bichette with 103.1 MPH and 103 MPH fastballs. He then threw a "splinker," clocking in at 98.7 MPH. He finished Bichette off with an absurd 89.2 MPH curveball. No chance.

I know I've already been watching Jhoan Duran pitch for a year so I should be used to this already, but come on, man pic.twitter.com/mp7kSblrNL

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) March 8, 2023

Duran is renowned for throwing the hardest pitch in the Majors in 2022, with his fastball averaging at 103 MPH. Although his fastball is his most impressive pitch, Duran has other pitches that are also highly effective.

His "splinker," a splitter-sinker hybrid, was believed to be the only off-speed pitch ever thrown above 100 mph, and his curveball boasts the best-advanced metrics. Hitters slugged .311 off his fastball last year, .462 off his "splinker," but only .217 off the curveball.

The 25-year-old Duran has been moved to the bullpen, where his impressive stuff has played up, and he has become one of the game's best relievers. Although he misses starting, he acknowledges that the shorter stints help him maintain his best stuff.

Duran hopes to earn the title of closer for the Twins, as he aims to continue pushing the boundaries of pitching. 
Photo Credit: Aaron Josefczyk-USA TODAY Sports